UEFA Orders Partial Stadium Closure for Twente Over Racist Abuse

Loum Tchaouna reportedly mimicked monkey noises to convey to referee Nikola Dabanovic and the Lazio bench the nature of the provocation he had experienced. UEFA has mandated a partial stadium closure for Twente’s upcoming European match due to racist conduct by its fans. The incident occurred on 24 October during a Europa League match in the Netherlands, where Lazio winger Loum Tchaouna was subjected to racist abuse from Twente supporters. Consequently, Twente is required to close a section of their De Grolsch Veste stadium for their Europa League fixture against Union Saint-Gilloise on 28 November. The Dutch club also received a fine of 40,000 euros (£33,490). In related disciplinary actions, UEFA has also penalized the Hungarian Football Federation. This sanction follows breaches of two regulations by its supporters during the national team’s Nations League match at Bosnia-Herzegovina on 14 October. The Hungarian federation faces a ban on selling away tickets for its next UEFA competition match due to the “racist and discriminatory behaviour of its supporters,” alongside a 20,000 euros (£16,745) fine. Supporters of Bosnia-Herzegovina were also found in violation of two UEFA regulations, specifically “throwing objects” and “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.” As a result, the Bosnia-Herzegovina Football Federation has been fined 29,250 euros (£24,489) and instructed to partially close its national stadium for its upcoming home game in a UEFA competition. Additionally, the national football federations of Serbia, Estonia, and Georgia have incurred fines. Serbia and Georgia are subject to partial stadium closures if they commit further breaches of UEFA regulations within a two-year probationary period, whereas Estonia has been placed on a one-year probationary period. Panathinaikos has similarly received a suspended stadium closure, also for a two-year probationary period. UEFA determined the Greek club was guilty of six charges, including “use of a laser pointer,” “throwing objects,” “discriminatory conduct,” and “lighting of fireworks,” during their 4-1 home Europa Conference League loss to Chelsea on 24 October. The club is also required to pay a fine of 76,000 euros (£63,631).